Hiking in San Marino – your guide in English!
Last updated on May 17th, 2026 at 08:39 am
You may not have thought of hiking in San Marino – but there are 100km of marked trails here! And that’s without the country lanes you can use to create your own walking routes! I loved it, and if you are a hiker too, then you can easily spend a week here hiking and seeing the city sights of this crazy cool little country!
Hiking in San Marino gives you great variety – explore ravines, waterfalls, old railways, quiet country lanes, forests, fields, old mills, and always, views! I was there in spring, and the other thing that was fabulous was all the wildflowers from orchids to violets and primroses, as well as the blossoms in people gardens and orchards. It was a beautiful little bonus!
You can see an interactive map of different hikes in San Marino here! I will describe some of the most popular and best ones below.
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. Yes, they are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content. Cheers!
Planning for your trip
Money, language – Euro, Italian – but most speak some English.
Getting there: Drive or take the shuttle bus to San Marino from Rimini.
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith.
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
On with the boots and lets get walking!
Oh yes – do wear boots or at least good runners on these walks!
1. Passo Delle Streghe – the Witches Path
Its not exactly hiking in San Marino, but I have to include it here, because if you don’t do this you haven’t seen the basics of San Marino! It’s a quite romantic walkway on top of the mountain between the 2nd and 3rd towers along a beautiful and ancient stone path – sweeping you back in time to the days when these towers were needed to protect the realm!
Legend has it that in the Middle Ages witches gathered there to practice their magic rituals. The name may also have something to do with the fact that, being so high, the wind blows and whistles as if someone is speaking.
Whatever the naming – this is an absolute “must-do” in San Marino – and it combines with the Sentiero della Rupe (no 2.) to create the La Rupe di San Marino.
Now, on with the real “hikes.”
2. Cammino del Titano – Path of the Titans
Loop trail, 43km, 2 days.
(Pale blue and white markers)
You can see the full trail on Kamoot here and you can get a free map of the trail here!
This is the mama of all hiking in San Marino – all 43km of it. If you do the full walk you will have done a 360° circumnavigation of the country – with a dip into the city as well! I didn’t do all this walk but a lot of it and highly recommend it. I added on some other walks (see below) to top it up with some of the extra good bits!
You can camp on the way if you carry your tent – just find a private spot on the way. You wont see too many people and you will have great views almost all the time!! It’s the best way to see this great little country! If you want to walk but use public transport to a hotel in between days this is the bus route and schedule – or take a taxi.
3. La Rupe di San Marino and Sentiero della Rupe – the Cliff Path
Loop trail, 4km, 2 hours.
Sentiero della Rupe – the Cliff Path is the lower section of the loop on the cliffs.
Part of Path of the Titan. (Blue and white Path of the Titan markers and Red Route 1 markers.)
You can see the trail on AllTrails here.
This path links San Marino city to the historic center of Borgo Maggiore – both designated a World Heritage Site – in a loop walk along the top of the city and then under the towers along the cliffs. It is the most popular walk in San Marino but I saw only one small group when walking the cliff-side part of it in April.
It is a beautiful path, first along the city top path from Tower 1 to Tower 3 which is stunning in itself, then through the trees under the cliffs with the castles above you. The wildflowers along the cliffs were beautiful in April, and I expect most of the year – primulas, violets, primroses….. The trees and shade from the cliffs keep you nice and cool in the heat! You may see the peregrine falcon – it is a nesting area.
The cliff section is not for you if you are not sure-footed, and ok with walking on a cliff path. In the steepest or most exposed sections it has ropes, cables and ladders to help you so most mobile people should have no real trouble walking this section.
4. I Mulini e la forra di Canepa – The Mills and the Canepa Gorge trail
Loop trail, 4km, 2 hours.
(Red Route 2 markers)
See the route on Kamoot here
This is a really nice little hike you can easily walk to from the city. You have lovely views over the countryside to the hills in Italy, wooded areas and a high-banked Canepa ditch to walk through like a plant tunnel. There is also the Canepa Cave, Canepa waterfall, and a number of ancient water mills. Definitely worth doing. You can also combine it with no 4 to make a great day walk figure 8 loop de loop (which is what I did)! (There’s a short walk from one to the other but its not far and you can use part of this trail to get there). This was one of my favorite days hiking in San Marino!
5. Gorgascura, Pietraminuta and Acquaviva
5.6km loop, 2-3 hours
(Red Route 5 markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
This was my favorite walk – combined with no 3 above (apart from no 2. which was also my favorite – but then…. ) Anyway it was lovely – even if I got wet feet! You walk through fields, forests, along a cycle path next to the river, seeing lovely old villages, farmhouses, old mills and chalk areas.
6. Gesse di Montegiardino – Montegiardino Chalks
Loop trail, 3km, 2 hours.
(Route 3 red markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
Start this trail in Piazza della Pace in the charming medieval town of Montegiardino! The walk goes down to the Marano stream and you can see the old chalk quarry in amongst the greenery on the hill opposite you. Its quite steep down into the bed of the stream and you walk through narrow passages and ravines. Watch out for the wild animals!! Actually they are wooden and moved with pulleys for hunting practice with bows and arrows. (Probably a good idea to make some noise and wear something bright just in case!!
7. Parco Ausa, Lajala e l’antica ferrovia – Ausa Park, Lajala and the old Railway
Loop trail, 7.5km, 2.5 – 3 hours.
(Red Route 4 markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
For some easy hiking in San Marino, I suggest you walk down the hill for this one and take a bus back up – no harm in taking it easy! This walk follows parts of the old track of a little white and blue train that used to run between Rimini and San Marino city. You walk through fields and woods beside the Ausa stream see centuries-old oaks, and green farmland as well as villages. Its an easy walk and quite pleasant. The views are better in a way if you do walk uphill, but just remember to turn around as you go!
You can see a remaining old blue and white carriage sitting on top of a viaduct on via Fontevecchia!! No railway but there is a carriage!! (It’s not actually on this walk but a little closer to the mountain – its good to go see after!)
8. Il parco di Monte Cerreto
Loop trail, 1.5km, 30 mins.
(Red Route 7 markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
This is a nice forested area, with a field, great views of Mt Titano one one side and the valley the other. Its easy walking – walk up from Genghe di Atto Str at the camper area, or drive up. On the fenced part of the summit are the foundations of the ancient 13th century fortress – if you can see through the broom and bracken.
9. Il calanco di Ca’ Rigo – The Ca’ Rigo ravine
Loop trail, 4.5km, 1.5-2 hours.
(Red Route 8 markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
Starting from the center of Cà Rigo, you walk with the imposing Mt Titano above – great views. You pass by two bomb shelters, dug during the Second World War (but no entry as they might collapse). Quite arid but interesting with great views – a lot is on a old cart track.
10. Sentiero de “La Genga” – La Genga Trail
2.5km – 1 way, 1 hour
(White and orange markers – no numbers)
You can see a trail map here – start at either end
The La Genga trail connects the town of Montalbo with that of Murata, crossing the south/west side of Mount Titano. I really enjoyed this walk. I saw nobody, but scared hundreds of lizards, saw hundreds of wildflowers and passed through lovely wooded areas with large oaks and lime trees – and it was full of birdsong! You can then find your way to another trail or back to the city easily!
11. Castello di Fiorentino – Fiorentino Castle
3.5km loop trail, 1.5 hours
(Red Route 6 markers)
Find the trail on Kamoot here.
Steep and rocky but has great views without much evidence of humans in your face! The top area is quite densely forested which is lovely and cool on a hot sunny day. There are limestone cliffs and some ruins of the Castellaccio, as well as a good chance of seeing peregrine falcons and blue rock thrush. I did see falcon but not the thrush – although I could hear what I assume was them! You can jump of the Path of the Titans to do this loop!
Other wild things to do in San Marino
1. Climb up to the refuge of Saint Marinus / Marino – the founding father of San Marino
Talk about a fun little walk and great view with a ton of history! This is supposed to be the refuge where Saint Marinus or Saint Marino – the founding father of San Marino – spent his last years. It is a stepped path up a cliffside – not great if you don’t like heights but fine otherwise!
According to written legend, the origins of San Marino date back to the time of Saint Marino, a stone cutter from Dalmatia who arrived in Rimini in 257 AD, and took refuge on Mount Titan to escape the persecution against the Christians ordered by Emperor Diocletian. His place on Mt Titan was a gift from Donna Felicissima in thanks for the healing of her son. It is said that his dying words in 301 A.D were “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine” or “I leave you free from both men,” meaning the Emperor and the Pope.
2. Visit the Adventure park
I didn’t – but you can and it looks like fun tbh! I would have gone if I had had my kids with me as there is all sorts from treetop walks, archery and adrenaline bikes!
Frequently Asked Questions for travel to San Marino
Q: When is the best time to go to San Marino?
A: I definitely recommend the shoulder seasons to avoid day time crowds. Although if you make use of the early morning and evenings when the day trippers are gone, it should be okay any time of year!
Q: What are the top must-see things to do in San Marino?
A: The top highlights for a short day trip are the city viewpoints, the towers, and the historic old town of San Marino. This post covers a lot more options for people wanting to see more of the country.
Q: How long do I need in San Marino?
A: Many people come for a day and you can just do a day trip seeing the key sights. But there is a lot more to the country than that and I recommend 2 days to really enjoy it and 3-4 days if you like to do some walking.
Q: Do you need a visa to visit San Marino?
A: Not for San Marino itself, but you need to be able to enter Italy so Schengen rules apply.
Q: Do you go through border control entering San Marino?
A: No.
Q: How do I get to San Marino?
A: Take a bus or drive from Italy (usually from Rimini). This shuttle bus from Rimini is the most common option. In Rimini the bus stop is located across from Rimini train station in front of the Napoleon Hotel. In San Marino, the bus drops you off at the P2 Parcheggio Bus Parking area.
Travel Tips for San Marino?
1. An Important Schengen note – San Marino is not in the EU or officially in Schengen, BUT it follows Schengen rules in practice. Most important is that any time you spend in San Marino is still counted toward your 90-day Schengen limit.
2. You can get a passport stamp as a souvenir – you can get this at the Tourist Office!
3. Costs are like most Italian cities but not as expensive as the major ones like Florence and Venice. If you stay overnight and visit some attractions, expect to spend approximately €40–80 (budget), €80 – €150 (mid range) and €150+ (higher end) per day.
Note for serious budget travellers – If you come for a day trip and are on a budget, you can visit for the cost of the bus fare alone if you bring your own lunch and don’t go into any attractions – there is plenty to do even without that.
5. Stay a night – if you stay a night you get to experience the city and its medieval streets without the crowds – it is absolutely worth it. The sunrise and sunset is also lovely from the viewpoints on top of Mt Titan. You can spend the day walking and head back to the city for the night, or find accommodation near one of the walks.
5. You can camp in San Marino too! Wild camping is officially prohibited, but you can camp at Centro Vacanze San Marino or across the border at campgrounds in Italy. There are also free campervan parks with all the amenities (e.g., at Strada della Baldasserona or Via Rancaglia) where you can park and stay.
Where to stay when you’re hiking in San Marino?
If you’re not camping (which is possible) book a hotel with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld. I have hand-picked the best rated options for you – all rated highly at the time of writing:
Higher End – Skyline – Olimpio suite Vista MARE or Skyline Virgilio SUITE
Mid Range – the Residenza Monteforte Stardust or Antica Bifora, or great views at Above The Sky – Flying Apartment
Budget – Welcome Hotel or the Panoramic B&B
Hostel – not the best but not the worst hostel I have stayed in – Hostal San Marino!
For a family – an entire home at the modern Casa Indipendente or the stunning Residenza Monteforte Stardust or this relaxing farmhouse with pool!
Let me know in the comments if you have done some or all of these walks and what you thought! But meanwhile – Happy Hiking!!
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